If you lose your job
If you lose the job connected to your employer-specific work permit, you must stop working for this or any other employer.
You need to leave Canada by the “Must leave by” date printed on your work permit if you
- can’t get a new job offer, or
- don’t apply for another immigration program
If you have an open work permit and you lose your job
If you are an open work permit holder, your job isn’t connected to your work permit.
An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, except those who
- are on the non-compliant list, or
- offer, on a regular basis, striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages
If you want to stay in Canada and continue working
If you lose the job connected to your employer-specific work permit and want to continue working in Canada, you must
- get a new job offer and apply to change the conditions on your work permit
- stay in Canada
- stop working for this or any other employer until your new work permit is approved or we send you a work authorization email
If we approve your application to change the conditions on your work permit, we’ll issue you a new work permit.
Before you apply, you need some information and documents from your new employer. What you need will depend on whether the employer needs a labour market impact assessment to hire you.
If you apply to change the conditions of your work permit before your current work permit expires, you might be able to keep working with a work authorization.
Apply to change the conditions on your work permit
If you want to stay in Canada as a visitor
If you want to extend your stay in Canada as a visitor, you need to apply for a visitor record.
You can’t work as a visitor unless you’re a worker authorized to work without a work permit.
Apply to extend your stay in Canada as a visitor
If you want to stay in Canada as a student
If you want to study in Canada, you may need to apply for a study permit. Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada.
Some international students can work while they study in Canada.
Learn more about studying in Canada as an international student